Costa Rica Itineraries for 5 days: Our Recommendations

Visit the shores of Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica.

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Although 5 days in Costa Rica may not sound like much time, the small size of this Central American country (equal to West Virginia or Denmark) means a Costa Rica 5-day tour is still long enough to experience many of its most extraordinary sights. Spanning pristine protected jungle, stunning beaches, wondrous waterways, and mesmerising misty mountains, you certainly won’t regret a 5-day trip to Costa Rica. Check out our top picks of Costa Rica itineraries for 5 days below!

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Stephanie Wagner From USA

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“Your website got everything right! Before the trip booking was easy and someone was always avail ... Read More “Your website got everything right! Before the trip booking was easy and someone was always available to answer questions. When we arrived in CR we were immediately met by friendly helpful travel coordinators. Our transportation was there and ready. We receive a call from your local provider every couple of days to check in and make sure we were well. Each hotel was true to the descriptions offered. Our accommodations were lovely and this turned out to be a hassle free amazing trip! I will always use and recommend your website. This is my 2nd trip with them they are consistently great!” Read Less

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Deborah M From USA

5 - Excellent

“The entire trip was expertly handled and resulted in an excellent vacation. Your local provider ... Read More “The entire trip was expertly handled and resulted in an excellent vacation. Your local provider contacted us 3 times during the trip to inquire if everything was going smoothly, which was the first time I ever experienced this kind of attentiveness on a booked trip. What a fantastic experience with your website. I assume you also operate under European Destinations which we have used in the past and have only good reviews about our experience in Spain. Our friends have utilized European Destinations based on our recommendations, and we have already told several of our friends about the great experience we had with your webite and the ease with which we were able to book our visit to Costa Rica. You definitely will be a company we utilize for future trips.” Read Less

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Dennis B From USA

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“My Costa Rica vacation was perfect. Loved each hotel. All tours were fun. Saw so much wildlife i ... Read More “My Costa Rica vacation was perfect. Loved each hotel. All tours were fun. Saw so much wildlife it was unbelievable, and had great, enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides. Every transfer was smooth with the driver either being on time or a bit early. Amazingly, each driver was almost like a tour guide, pointing out unique and interesting facts and even stopping for photos, while driving well and safely. It is refreshing to meet people who have such a love of their country. Planning the trip on your website was fun and easy. Would definitely recommend to anyone. I did run into a couple of parties who also booked through your website and they were having a great experience, too.” Read Less

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5 days in Costa Rica: Jungle and Islands Expedition

Tortuga island in Costa Rica can be visited as a day tour — Tortuga Island is a fantastic place to visit on a day trip

Day 1	Arrival and free time in San Jose
Day 2	Catamaran tour to Tortuga Island
Day 3	Enjoy the hot springs around Arenal Volcano National Park
Day 4	Raft and zipline your way around Arenal Volcano National Park
Day 5	Return to San Jose

Arrive at the Costa Rican capital of San Jose and explore the city taking time to explore the top sights such as the Central Market and the National Theatre. After some free time in the urban jungle of San Jose, you’ll head to the country’s Pacific Coast and board a luxury catamaran for a day trip from San Jose to the beautiful Tortuga Island, home to white-sand beaches and warm shallows that are just perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Back on land, you’ll be able to experience the natural hot springs that surround the soaring peak of Arenal Volcano, before exploring the area up close by ziplining from tree to tree, and rafting 12 kilometers of the Sarapiqui River — from Hacienda to Chilamate. See tour

Costa Rica in 5 days: Volcanos and Rainforests

Hiking trail in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve — Hike the nature trails in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Day 1	Explore plantations and landscapes on route to Arenal Volcano
Day 2	Hike through the jungle of Arenal Volcano National Park
Day 3	Wildlife spotting in Monteverde Cloud Forest
Day 4	Trekking through Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Day 5	Return to San Jose

This 5-day Costa Rica vacation package takes in two of the country’s finest protected areas. Start the tour from San Jose, reaching La Fortuna by the afternoon which provides a chance to explore the town. The next day starts with a tour to Arenal Volcano National Park. It may be named for its predominant volcanic peak, rising high over the surrounding land to form spectacular vistas, but it also offers visitors naturally-heated hot springs and incredible hikes through the jungles of its flanks. The misty mountains of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve then provide another magical experience, crisscrossed with walking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities while getting the best ziplining experience in Costa Rica. See tour

5-day Adventure in Tortuguero National Park

A turtle nesting in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica — Spot turtles on the shores of Tortuguero National Park

Day 1	Arrive in San Jose
Day 2	Boat rides and turtle spotting in Tortuguero National Park
Day 3	Tour the canals of Tortuguero
Day 4	Free time in San Jose
Day 5	Depart Costa Rica

Only reachable by boat or plane, Tortuguero National Park encompasses a rich landscape of Caribbean Coast beaches and jungle-clad waterways just waiting to be explored. During two full days in the park, you’ll have every opportunity to discover the region and its wildlife for yourself, starting with turtle spotting on the beaches on your first evening in the park. You’ll also take to the waters by boat, the perfect way to try and catch sight of the park’s impressive species list, which includes manatee, jaguar, and caiman. See tour

An overview map of 5-day itineraries for Costa Rica — Caption

There’s nowhere quite like Costa Rica, and even with just 5 days, it is possible to get a perfect introduction to all the country has to offer. But if you can, extend your 5-day itinerary in Costa Rica by a few days and enjoy the country to the max. Check out our 7 day, 10 day, and 14 day Costa Rica itineraries for more ideas. To design your own customized trip, get in touch with one of our travel experts in Costa Rica.

Editor’s note: This travel article was originally published on 25 July 2019, but has since been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.